Podcast Title: Trap Talk From The Back Fence
Hosts: Trap Talk Zach & Ricky
Episode: Part 2: Listener Question Extravaganza | Trap Talk Podcast Episode 110
Release Date: January 24, 2025
Introduction
In Trap Talk Podcast Episode 110: Part 2: Listener Question Extravaganza, hosts Zach Nannini and Ricky Marshall delve into various listener-submitted questions, providing expert advice and sharing personal insights on trapshooting. The episode focuses on addressing common challenges faced by shooters, ranging from managing anxiety to improving shooting techniques.
1. Managing Anxiety and Heart Rate During Shooting
Listener: Corey from Winchester, Virginia
Timestamp: [00:29] – [14:56]
Corey initiates the episode with a heartfelt question about controlling anxiety and heart rate when the shooting begins. He shares his experience of struggling with the first trap, leading to missed targets and heightened anxiety, but notes improvement with practice.
Zach:
Corey’s question aligns perfectly with the theme of the Listener Extravaganza, focusing on starting strong rather than finishing.
Ricky:
“[01:35] You just got to be positive, think positive. Start out being that positive attitude.”
Kurt:
“[03:26] These are physical things that you can do in addition to mental shifts.”
Key Strategies Discussed:
- Positive Mindset: Emphasizing the importance of maintaining a positive attitude to prevent negative thoughts from affecting performance.
- Breathing Techniques: Introducing methods like box breathing, used by Navy SEALs, to regulate breathing and lower heart rate.
- Physical Relaxation: Suggestions include drinking cold water, using a cold compress, and listening to calming music to reduce anxiety.
- Preparation: Encouraging shooters to arrive early, watch preceding squads, and familiarize themselves with the shoot environment to minimize surprises.
Corey’s Additional Insights:
“[07:05] ... change the framing of the physical thing you’re feeling and completely accept the fact that your body is releasing adrenaline and it increases your heart rate.”
Corey further elaborates on shifting the perception of anxiety to excitement, advocating for mental reframing to maintain focus on the target rather than internal physical sensations.
2. Use of Release Triggers on Shotguns
Listener: Gino
Timestamp: [16:02] – [19:55]
Gino poses a technical question about the necessity of labeling shotguns equipped with release triggers, querying whether a sticker is required by law or etiquette.
Kurt:
“[16:56] But I do think it's etiquette, Rick.”
Ricky:
“[17:07] I don't think in trap, there doesn't need to be a sticker at all.”
Key Takeaways:
- Etiquette vs. Legal Requirement: While not mandated by ATA rules, it is considered good etiquette to inform others if a shotgun has a release trigger.
- Gun Club Rules: Individual gun clubs may have their own regulations regarding release triggers, so shooters should adhere to local policies.
- Safety Practices: Emphasizing the importance of not handling someone else’s gun and communicating clearly about any modifications like release triggers.
3. Drills for Shooters with Limited Access to Guns
Listener: An unnamed shooter
Timestamp: [20:15] – [24:36]
A listener seeks advice on maintaining and improving shooting skills during two-week periods of limited access to their gun due to work commitments.
Kurt:
“[21:11] Can't have a gun. So we can't do gun mounts.”
Ricky:
“[23:48] Vision training, dot com, Check them out even.”
Corey’s Recommendations:
- Eye Training: Utilizing tools like visiontraining.com to enhance eye coordination and focus.
- Strength Training: Engaging in shoulder and arm exercises using weights to maintain physical strength essential for shooting.
- Dummy Guns: Suggesting the use of replica guns for practicing mounts and movements when real guns are unavailable.
- Mental and Visual Exercises: Focusing on eye movements and target visualization to keep the mind sharp.
Corey:
“[24:35] The more endurance you have, the better you're going to be on the line, the stronger your muscles are.”
4. Hold Points for Caps vs. Singles
Listener: Christine
Timestamp: [25:27] – [30:35]
Christine, a one-eyed shooter, inquires about adjusting hold points for caps compared to singles to improve target acquisition and shooting accuracy.
Ricky:
“[26:22] Depending on her yardage that she's either doing a few different things.”
Kurt:
“[27:31] So I hold down because...”
Corey’s Advice:
- Consistent Hold Points: Advising Christine to maintain the same hold points used in singles while ensuring focus remains on the target.
- Eye Positioning: Emphasizing the importance of keeping eyes on the bird to prevent the gun from obstructing the view.
- Gun Fit Adjustments: Suggesting slight modifications to the hold based on yardage to maintain accuracy.
Corey:
“[30:03] Give that straightaway the respect that it deserves, or it will burn you.”
5. Troubleshooting Straightaways and Head Position
Listener: Bill
Timestamp: [31:10] – [44:55]
Bill seeks tips on improving accuracy with straightaways and maintaining proper head position to ensure consistent sight pictures.
Kurt:
“[37:16] Why are we lifting our head?”
Corey’s Insights:
- Gun Fit: Assessing whether the shotgun fits properly to avoid unnecessary head movement.
- Hold Point Accuracy: Ensuring hold points are correctly aligned to prevent the gun from masking the target.
- Body Positioning: Maintaining a stable stance and minimizing head lifting to keep the sight picture clear.
Ricky:
“[40:03] … adjust your shot timing.”
Key Suggestions:
- Avoid Overthinking Movements: Encouraging shooters to trust their instincts and maintain fluid movements.
- Consistent Shooting Technique: Practicing thorough consistency in holding and moving through targets to build muscle memory.
- Focus on Shot Timing: Refining the coordination between eye movements and trigger pull to enhance accuracy.
6. Physical Movements for the "Dip" Technique
Listener: Mikey via YouTube
Timestamp: [44:57] – [53:04]
Mikey asks for a breakdown of the physical mechanics behind Ricky’s "dip" movement during doubles shooting, seeking clarification on whether the movement involves conscious actions like bending or head-dropping.
Ricky’s Explanation:
“[45:47]...when I'm at that gun I'm using my right hand is I'm boom, boom. This is controlling the gun…”
Kurt’s Analysis:
“[46:43] …the whole shoulders, the whole… he’s moving it with his back hand, but he goes bang.”
Corey’s Commentary:
“[49:07] It’s a physical move in the body. It’s not conscious.”
Hosts’ Insights:
- Integrated Body Movement: The "dip" involves coordinated movement of the entire upper body rather than isolated hand movements.
- Natural Execution: Emphasizing that the movement should be a natural extension of the shooting process, developed through extensive practice.
- Focus on Eyes: Highlighting the importance of immediately shifting eye focus to the second bird to facilitate the natural dip motion.
- Avoid Overcomplicating: Advising against trying to manually control the dip, as it should occur organically through proper technique and muscle memory.
Corey:
“[50:26] If you're bringing the gun over with the eyes and that's where the problem is, then you're lifting your head…”
Conclusion
In this episode, Zach and Ricky effectively address a variety of listener questions, providing actionable advice and emphasizing the importance of mindset, proper technique, and physical conditioning in trapshooting. They underscore the significance of maintaining focus, adjusting to individual needs, and trusting in one's training to overcome common challenges in the sport.
Final Remarks by Hosts:
Corey encourages listeners to continue submitting questions and expresses gratitude for their support, reinforcing the community-driven nature of the podcast. Zach and Ricky wrap up by acknowledging sponsors briefly and inviting listeners to engage further with the Trap Talk community.
Notable Quotes:
- Ricky: “[01:35] You just got to be positive, think positive. Start out being that positive attitude.”
- Corey: “[07:05] ... change the framing of the physical thing you’re feeling and completely accept the fact that your body is releasing adrenaline.”
- Ricky: “[17:07] I don't think in trap, there doesn't need to be a sticker at all.”
- Corey: “[24:35] The more endurance you have, the better you're going to be on the line, the stronger your muscles are.”
This comprehensive summary encapsulates the essence of Trap Talk Podcast Episode 110, providing valuable insights for both novice and experienced trapshooters seeking to enhance their performance and overcome common shooting challenges.